I had the pleasure of interviewing TDS founder Louis Benjamin (‘79) and discussed his experience starting one of the first Black radio departments not only at WHRB but in the greater Boston area. The purpose of this interview is to uncover the historical origins of our department and to highlight and appreciate its significance in the story of Black music.
On the peaceful, pre-lockdown night of March 8th at Club Passim, Gretchen Peters opened her set of pure Americana storytelling with a dose of brutality. “Wichita” from her 2018 album Dancing With the Beast tells the story of twelve year old Cora Lee who murders her mother’s abusive boyfriend.
If a fan had closed her eyes, she could have imagined herself party to a spirited reading of a southern Gothic short story collection. Eyes open, she saw two bowlegged, middle-aged lead guitarists rocking out in a synchronization perfected by two and a half decades and twelve studio albums on the road.
It’s impossible to think of anything else in this pandemic, so it’s with regret that I inevitably place their music in the context of COVID-19: Lightning Bug’s music glows with quiet strength and hope during this tumultuous time.
Did COVID-19 cancel your graduation? Is social distancing making you feel socially distant? We consider the emotions of quarantine and the perfect music to accompany each one.
Guitarist Paul Rishell and harmonica Annie Raines play beloved blues staples and share stories during their March 7, 2020 show at Club Passim. Past students of the duo, Kathleen Parks and Brad Bresko, play a fun mixture of soft jazz and upbeat bluegrass.
Calling all playlists! if the world is ending, you better be listening to something good...
WHRB DJ Jess Eng chats with Ingrid Chiles (Ings) about the fallout of SXSW and COVID-19, love songs, haunted performance venues, and of course, her iconic yellow glasses.